Winter meltdown hits BVU

The Midwest and BVU itself has finally started to thaw after one of the worst winters on record. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the average snowfall total between December and February in the state of Iowa was 45.1 inches, 23 inches above normal. State climatologists report nearly 60 inches fell in northwest Iowa. While temperatures have remained below normal these first days of March, the melting of all of that snow has begun and now rain is falling as well, making for sloppy and even dangerous conditions (see sidebar above) across the state and on campus. While lots of snow has already disappeared, piles several feet deep have yet to melt.

On top of this, nearly two inches of rain have already fallen this week, with more predicted for the weekend. On campus, puddles the size of small ponds have emerged in parking lots, and gutters are gushing with water creating mini-rivers where they empty out. Roof and ceiling leaks have started in some buildings, and spring athletic teams are facing field and course conditions that make outdoor practices and competitions impossible.